Inaugurated in 1960 as the Arcadia Handicap, it was raced at a distance of 11⁄4 miles until 1987. In 1972, the distance at which it was raced was "about" 11⁄4 miles. In 1975, 1976, 1978, 1983, 1995, the race was run on dirt.

The race was open to three-year-olds and up in 1962.

In 2010, Proviso became the first female to win the Kilroe in 51 runnings.